Chassis pool operations at ports in Georgia and South Carolina will shift later this year to a new entity created by the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative, and equipment at the facilities will be expanded and undergo a series of improvements, the group said.

The Federal Maritime Commission on Aug. 2 gave final approval to the Georgia Ports Authority and the South Carolina Ports Authority to shift pool operations to a new entity created by NACPC called the Southern States Chassis Pool.

“Both South Carolina and Georgia are pleased to be moving forward with the proposed SSCP agreement in an effort to add chassis to the current pool,” the two ports said in a statement provided to Transport Topics. “GPA and SCPA hope to not only increase the number of chassis in the Southeast fleet, but improve the quality and provide an at-cost model to support the growth in containerized trade in the Southeast.”

While NACPC will own and operate the new entity, equipment and personnel from the ports’ previous chassis provider, Consolidated Chassis Management, will remain in place, said Dave Manning, president of Nashville, Tenn.-based transportation company TCW and chairman of NACPC. Manning also is chairman of American Trucking Associations.

“We will be contracting with CCM to manage the new pool…instead of CCM owning the pool,” Manning told TT. NACPC is a chassis pool cooperative founded in 2012 by TCW and 10 other trucking companies. A chassis pool consists of a group of third-party owned chassis domiciled at a facility and available to shipping lines and truckers for short-term rental.

Seafaring ports in Jacksonville, Fla., Tampa and North Carolina have been invited to join the new pool, NACPC said.

It will take more than a year to complete the full transition from CCM to NACPC, Manning said. During that time, the group will respond to concerns about chassis shortages in the southeastern United States by expanding the number of available chassis at the facilities from the current 52,000 and complete some upgrades, Manning said.

“There is an 18-month plan for it all to be upgraded to radial tires, LED lights and [anti-lock brakes] plus add the five-to-10,000 new chassis to the fleet,” Manning said.

The switch to radial tires is especially important in these regions, he noted.

“Particularly in the southeast, where you have a lot of overweight loads, with heat and with long distance, bias ply tires just do not hold up. They fail,” Manning said. “You got drivers who think they’re going to spend 10 hours on a trip and they wind up spending 14, because they spent four hours on the side of the road, waiting for a bias ply tire.”

The port authorities in Georgia and South Carolina said they are responding to the demands of drivers who want better equipment.

Containers at the Port of Charleston, S.C. (Ariana Lindquist/Bloomberg News)

NACPC said the additional chassis will dramatically improve availability of equipment at the ports and reduce the spot shortages that take place during peak periods. The goal is to reduce to 65% from 85% the number of chassis that are in service at any one time, Manning said. By doing that, NACPC said it should always have enough chassis on hand and be able to also cover maintenance and other issues.

While NACPC has not yet set its chassis rental fee, others it operates typically charge $14 to $15 dollars a day. Truckers will pay a single rate, and the service will be provided with at-cost pricing with no profits distributed to NACPC’s owners, Manning said.

NACPC said response from the trucking industry has been positive, but some marine carriers have expressed apprehension since their costs will likely increase. “For the market it’s a good thing, but if you’re a steamship line paying at below cost today, at cost doesn’t sound too good,” Manning said. “The truckers and business capacity owners will be paying less and the marine carriers will be paying a little more than they have in the past, but still, as a whole it’s an at-cost price — which is hard to argue against.”

NACPC – Founded by Draymen for Draymen

For nearly a century, the goal of Farruggio’s Express has been simple: Do it right the first time. Sam Farruggio, President of the Bristol, Pennsylvania-based trucking and transportation company shares what sets NACPC apart from other gray pools in our latest Member Spotlight.

Tell us about Farruggio’s Express. What is unique about the company?

Our company was founded in 1920 by my grandfather who came over from Italy in 1907 to Ellis Island. I am a third generation Farruggio and have been with the company since 1969. We have the fourth generation with us since the mid 90s. We began our intermodal work many years ago as the container was born we were already serving the Eastern Ports. We all work to promote safety and provide the best value for our customers. After almost 100 years, we feel safety brings out the best.

Why are chassis pools important to the trucking industry?

We need to develop a better chassis to improve the safety of the industry. We need to bring a better mode to improve the operations of draymen and help improve turn times for drivers and customers, especially as the driver market shrinks.

As a member of NACPC, what benefits have you seen?

The quality of the equipment provides safer movement of cargo. It provides the driver with a feeling that he can make it to delivery without fearing a failure. NACPC equipment is setting the standard that all the larger leasing companies are following. And is allowing the cargo owners to feel safer that the goods they are waiting to arrive or ship will arrive in a state-of-the art unit.

What sets NACPC apart from the other gray pools?

It was founded by draymen for draymen and creates a safer and more equitable chassis for all to use.

What advice would you offer a company looking to join NACPC?

I believe you just need to see the equipment and talk to the team and you will find it’s a win-win for everyone.

Nashville, TN (June 28, 2018) – The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC) has been chosen by the Georgia and South Carolina Port Authorities to operate the proposed new Southern States Chassis Pool. This new pool will cover the ports in South Carolina and Georgia along with the inland terminals in both states plus Florida and North Carolina. North Carolina and Jacksonville Ports have been invited to join as well. Pending approval, the pool will go into operation mid to late third quarter.

The new pool is expected to add 3,900 new chassis at start up and a total of 10,000 new chassis within the first 6 months to address the chassis shortage in this market. Over the first 18 months of operation, the existing fleet transferring from the current pool will continue to be upgraded with radials and LED lighting. Despite a modest increase in supply over the last several years, truckers, intermediaries and beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) require more than what has currently been made available.

“NACPC envisions the new pool embracing some premium chassis features as the new standard for the intermodal market. The trucking community has requested radial tires and LED lights for a couple decades, now is the time for change and make premium features the new standard. Along with this, ABS has been standard on chassis for over 15 years yet over half the fleet is still lacking due to age. This is a minimum safety feature all equipment should be upgraded to along with radials and led lighting.” NACPC’s executive vice president Jeffrey Dudenhefer said.

Improved condition of the chassis fleet along with the flexibility for ports to focus on seasonal demand spikes in the region, will allow the ports to keep up with the explosive growth in containerized trade in the Southeast.

NACPC, a trucker-founded chassis provider, will own and operate the Southern States Chassis Pool. Truckers will pay a single rate, regardless of which equipment provider is stenciled on the chassis, and the service will be provided with at-cost pricing – no profits will be distributed to NACPC owners, according to chairman Dave Manning. Other operational specifics, he said, would have to be figured out after the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) rules on the application.

About NACPC

The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative, or NACPC, was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing a modern fleet of chassis to users with at cost pricing. The cooperative is committed to supporting the U.S. intermodal container network with an efficient chassis inventory. Use of NACPC chassis is open to all qualified motor carriers.

Currently, NACPC operates more than 20,000 chassis in five CCM managed pools; MCCP, COCP, MWCP, GCCP and SACP. As well as a new pool OCEA-N, established to service the ports of New York / New Jersey. This pool is governed jointly by FlexiVan and NACPC, promoting all premium chassis.

Nashville, TN (May 23, 2018) – Due to growing demand, The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC) is announcing the addition of 1,000 units to the South Atlantic Chassis Pool (SACP). These are all CIMC constructed chassis with LED lights, ABS, and OEM Radial tires and will all be operational by June 1st, 2018.

The new chassis would be an addition to the current pool operated by Consolidated Chassis Management (CCM) in SACP, which services a large region from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, and West to Atlanta.

About NACPC

The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative, or NACPC, was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing a modern fleet of chassis to users with at cost pricing. The cooperative is committed to supporting the U.S. intermodal container network with an efficient chassis inventory. Use of NACPC chassis is open to all qualified motor carriers.

Contributory “gray pools” allow users to draw any chassis from the pool regardless of ownership. The contributory pool model thus eliminates duplicative costs and maximizes the use of limited space at port and or inland intermodal locations by obviating the need for a contributor to have its own chassis storage facility. It also ensures an adequate supply of chassis for all users.

Contributory gray pools foster competition by allowing motor carrier users to select from more than one chassis provider.

The pool managers are responsible for chassis logistics, inventory supply, maintenance and repair and the repositioning of the chassis, but usage arrangements are determined between the chassis contributor and its user.

Currently, NACPC operates more than 20,000 chassis in five CCM managed pools; MCCP, COCP, MWCP, GCCP and SACP as well as the new OCEAN-N pool; governed by FlexiVan and NACPC, where data is managed by CCM and M& R is managed by FlexiVan.

FlexiVan and NACPC are pleased to announce that OCEA-N pool operations at the Port of New York and New Jersey will commence Monday, May 14, 2018. The new Open Choice Equipment Agreement – Northeast (OCEA-N) is a port-wide cooperative chassis pool that offers motor carriers the option to engage and negotiate with the chassis provider of their choice.

Typically in most pools, ocean carriers dictate the chassis provider for both carrier and merchant haulage moves, even when they are not responsible for the costs. Otherwise known as “box rules,” this has ultimately led to increased operating costs and inefficiencies for motor carriers.

The interoperable OCEA-N pool will not only provide IEPs and motor carriers true choice of their chassis provider, but also offers a fleet of premium chassis that can transit all marine terminals at the NY/NJ port complex. The fleet will consist of premium 20’, 40’ and 40’/45’ chassis, all equipped with LED lights, ABS brakes and radial tires. Meanwhile, the pool is governed by strict business rules to ensure higher standards for fleet quality, with chassis marked “OCEA-N” in black and white to distinguish each unit.

Charlie Wellins, President and COO of FlexiVan states, “From the motor carrier, BCO and shipper perspective, competition through open choice results in more price, service and equipment quality options.”

OCEA-N is open to participation by any qualifying chassis supplier, with initial contributors being FlexiVan and NACPC. A third party has been contracted as Pool Manager, following the rules and regulations set forth by the NACPC FlexiVan Chassis Pool, LLC (“NFCP”).

“These are exciting times,” said Rich Mazur, Vice President of Sales for NACPC, “to work in conjunction with FlexiVan on a pool offering alternatives to the Motor Carrier and BCO community further highlights the spirit of modernization. Open choice and interoperability to the international community is important, and we are glad to be part of a program offering these options.”

OCEA-N offers competitive tiered pricing based on usage periods of 1-10 days or 11 days or more, with all usage invoices issued by the Motor Carrier’s chassis provider of choice. The common start/stop location will be at Ironbound Intermodal Industries in Newark, NJ.

February 14, 2018 – Nashville, TN With overwhelming support of our customers, the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC), continues to invest in new equipment and expand our footprint. During 2017, we added over 3,500 new units into our fleet, all equipped with radial tires, LED lights and ABS.

As NACPC continues to add thousands of new units, we are announcing a General Rate Increase (GRI), in the COCP, SACP, MCCP, and GCCP effective March 15, 2018. Important to note, NACPC has not increased pricing since 2013.

FlexiVan and the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC) are pleased to announce the establishment of a new cooperative chassis pool for the Port of New York and New Jersey. The pool is expected to commence operations during the first quarter of 2018.

The Open Choice Equipment Agreement – Northeast (OCEA-N) is a port-wide gray chassis pool servicing major cargo, freight and equipment handling facilities in the port complexes of New York and New Jersey.

OCEA-N will be governed by the NACPC FlexiVan Chassis Pool, LLC and operated by a single pool manager. It will be open to participation and contribution by any other equipment providers that meet the basic contributory requirements.

OCEA-N is designed to meet the requirements voiced by NY/NJ users and stakeholders, namely:

Contributory pool that is open to participation by any qualifying chassis supplier.

Fully interoperable chassis fleet with port-wide coverage.

“Open Choice” allows all users to negotiate with and select the chassis provider of their choice.

Premium equipment – Radials and LED.

Business rules that encourage continued equipment upgrades.

Open choice refers to the right of a motor carrier or shipper to select their preferred chassis provider. As an example, most pools operate under ‘box rules’ where the ocean carrier dictates the chassis provider (both for carrier haulage and merchant haulage moves), even when they are not responsible for the costs. OCEA-N does not prevent or limit choice, but rather the motor carrier, BCO or other responsible parties are free to select the chassis provider of their choice.

Dave Manning, President of NACPC said, “We believe the Port of NY/NJ and its stakeholders desire a long term chassis solution that facilitates greater operational efficiency, ensures fair competition and lower operating cost to motor carriers. We feel that OCEA-N meets these objectives better than any other current or proposed chassis supply model. Motor Carriers can now leverage their business to negotiate more favorable terms and conditions. OCEA-N operates with only one condition; if you are responsible for supplying the chassis, you are free to name any participating provider as your supplier.”

Stan Portlock, Vice President of Pool Operations at FlexiVan states, “Currently, motor carriers are forced to use privately owned or leased fleets in order to avoid inflated costs. This in turn interferes with port efficiency and work jurisdictions. Through competition, the OCEA-N structure allows costs for interoperable pool chassis to be comparable with private fleets.”

OCEA-N and FlexiVan’s NERP pool will be interoperable on day one. It is hoped that other chassis pool operators will also agree to participate within the OCEA-N pool and thereby provide the NY/NJ port with a single port-wide grey pool, yielding the same advantages to all stakeholders.

About FlexiVan

As a leader in intermodal chassis leasing services in North America since 1955, FlexiVan continues to set the bar for industry excellence and the customer experience. FlexiVan manages over 130,000 quality units in over 30 depots and 300 locations across the country. Nine service centers are strategically located in key markets, providing easy access to top-quality M&R services. Our innovative FlexiDay® daily rental product provides a cost effective solution to motor carriers, while our new proprietary ChassisNow booking system offers enhanced reporting and communication tools to facilitate the booking, dispatching and overall chassis leasing process. Professional, cost effective transportation solutions – Experience Delivered.

About NACPC

The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative, or NACPC, was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing a modern fleet of chassis to users with at cost pricing. The cooperative is committed to supporting the U.S. intermodal container network with an efficient chassis inventory. Use of NACPC chassis is open to all qualified motor carriers. For more information, please visit www.NACPC.org.

New Chassis

Furthering the NACPC vision of a modern chassis supply nationally, supporting the US intermodal container network with a transparent set of economics, The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC), proudly announces the addition of 1,200 new chassis that will be integrated into their SACP and COCP Common-Use and Premium Chassis Network.

The addition of these chassis to NACPC’s Common-Use Pools, also known as “gray pools,” allow users to draw any chassis from the pool regardless of ownership. By removing the need for a contributor to have its own chassis storage facility, the contributory pool model eliminates duplicate costs. This maximizes the use of limited space at port and or inland intermodal locations, ensuring an adequate supply of chassis for all users.

Common-Use Pools

Mid-South Consolidated – MCCP

Mid-West Consolidated – MWCP

South Atlantic Consolidated – SACP

Gulf Consolidated – GCCP

For shippers, Intermediaries, 3PLs and motor carriers planning to increase their bottom line, NACPC delivers the superior chassis solution. A state-of-the-art fleet of chassis equipped with radial tires, LED lights, ABS and auto inflation systems as well as intermodal neutrality in Common-Use Pools at a reasonable “at cost pricing” structure.

The benefits of these features translate to:

Decreased M&R costs

Increased fuel savings and;

A boost for your return-on-investment.

Currently, NACPC operates more than 20,000 chassis in five Common-Use Pools (Managed by CCM) and Premium pools; MCCP, MWCP, COCP, GCCP and SACP.

The pool managers are responsible for chassis logistics, inventory supply, maintenance and repair and the repositioning of the chassis. Usage arrangements are determined between the chassis contributor and its user. These contributory gray pools foster competition by allowing motor carrier users to select from more than one chassis provider.

Premium Chassis Pools

Triple G Express has been synonymous with Louisiana trucking for four generations. Founded as Southeastern Motor Freight, Inc. in 1945 by Aswell Pitre and later expanding in 1985 with Triple G Express (founded by Pitre’s son-in-law Elmo Guillot and sons Randy and Glen), the family-owned company continues to grow, serving the Gulf Coast all the way up the East Coast and everywhere in between.

We recently spoke with Randy Guillot, President of Triple G Express, about the importance of chassis pools and why joining NACPC is the obvious choice.

Tell us a little more about Triple G Express. What does the “Triple G” stand for?

It’s the three Guillots – my father Elmo, my brother Glen, and I. We have two locations – Jefferson, Louisiana and Port Allen, Louisiana. We are one of the largest intermodal carriers serving the Port of Louisiana. We have about 100 independent contractors and 25 employees.

Let’s talk about the overall concept of chassis pools. Why are they important to the trucking industry?

The competition with chassis providers is integrally important to the industry, to motor carriers and shippers. NACPC is a different type of provider, going on an at-cost basis and making sure we’ve got good, safe equipment for customers.

What benefits has your company seen by joining NACPC?

The availability of equipment in New Orleans. We’ve got premium product here in Louisiana as NACPC. The relationship with all chassis providers seems to be enhanced by a relationship with NACPC. We have premium product on site at the Port of New Orleans – at the waterfront. This is new and happened within the last six months. It’s very convenient, shaving off time and expense.

Advice for a company looking to join NACPC?

I would say that they should look into the services and prices. It’s absolutely the most competitive in the industry.

Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Robert Haag, the host of the podcast “Regarding Trucking,” and discuss my personal journey to the role of President at TCW Inc. and Chairman of North America Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC). “Regarding Trucking” is a one-on-one, in-depth, interview podcast with the people who make the trucking industry what it is today and where it will be tomorrow. The podcast shares knowledge, beliefs and leadership skills to inspire us all to do great things.

From working on my family’s farm to graduating college and driving truck for my uncle, I earned my PhD. from the school of hard knocks – it was a long and rewarding journey. However, to this day, I know that you are always responsible for performance regardless of the circumstances, and you can’t take the easy way out. If you have a commitment, you have to live up to it regardless of what adversity might come your way. We also discussed my involvement in the American Trucking Associations (ATA), Tennessee Trucking Association and Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) – the importance of these associations to advance the issues that we would all agree are important in our industry.

I’m energized by the opportunity in our industry right now, especially NACPC – what we are doing now and what the future will bring as we continue to support the intermodal network with an efficient supply and new fleet of chassis, at-cost. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode of the “Regarding Trucking” podcast and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Google Play to receive future episodes.